Journey to Bethlehem

NEW! Register to attend Journey to Bethlehem HERE. Reserve your time-slot to ensure your experience, as Covid restrictions limit walk-in openings.

Click here to read our current COVID policy and changes to our registration to comply with new guidelines.

With Dramatic Actors, a Live Nativity and Real Animals

Experience the true historical story of Christmas and the excitement of our Savior’s birth in a spacious outdoor setting with dramatic actors, a live nativity and real animals. Unique to this event, you will actually walk with the Biblical characters along candlelit wooded trails on the Journey. Interact with shepherds and merchants, and receive items to assist you as you Journey to Bethlehem.

Scene 1: “The Angel’s Announcement To Mary”

Observe the Angel’s visit with Mary and then join Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem.

Scene 2: “No Room in the Inn”

Experience the disappointment of finding no room in the Inn.

Scene 3: “The Marketplace”

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the marketplace complete with merchants, wares, and live animals.

Scene 4: “The Shepherd’s Field”

Join the shepherds around a warm crackling campfire watching their sheep by night when suddenly angels appear in the sky and proclaim the news of Jesus’ birth!

Scene 5: “The Stable”

Hurry along with the shepherds to the stable and experience the quiet wonder of finding Baby Jesus in the manger.

Scene 6: “Wise Men Still Seek Him”

A brand new scene! Wise men wrestle with a decision: do they leave their comfortable palace to begin a long, dangerous trek through the desert, just for a chance to meet some far-off king?

Additional Details:

Reserve your tentative time slot, see registration above.
Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before your tentative scheduled time slot.
Masks are encouraged while inside buildings and during bus transportation.
Entire group must be present when entering IRC building to begin the Journey.
“Journey to Bethlehem” participants will be welcomed to Woodcrest Retreat with over 300 luminaries lining the entrance and trails.
Parking: Upon arrival, guests will be directed to the parking area and then proceed to Census Registration.
Every 10 minutes, groups of 30 will board a bus and be transported to the top of the hill to begin “The Journey to Bethlehem”.
“The Journey” will take approximately 45-60 minutes. You will want to allow for extra “wait time.”
A bus will transport guests back to the parking area.
Since the “Journey” takes place outside, participants will need to dress warmly and wear water resistant shoes or boots.
Additional Covid considerations: We consider The Journey to be a lower-risk activity due to the majority of time spent outdoors. In addition to pre-registration, which will remove the large indoor crowd, we have taken steps to create a safer atmosphere. This includes replacing the full wagon-ride with a better spaced bus and making small scene changes to help groups bunch together less.

Volunteers Needed:

Over one hundred volunteers are needed to make the “Journey to Bethlehem” come alive. Please check your calendar and prayerfully consider volunteering. Perfect for individuals and/or families to share the true meaning of Christmas.

Commitments are needed for 2 or more nights.

Fridays: 5:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturdays: 4:00 – 10:30 PM

ACTORS: Enthusiastic persons to portray the Christmas story.
(Mary, Joseph, Angel, Innkeepers, Shepherds, Wisemen)

PARKERS, TOWNSPEOPLE, MERCHANTS, ANGELS , WAGON HOST, SOUND & LIGHTING ETC. :
These vital roles require minimal or no speaking. Memorization of lines is not required in these roles.

Please call (717) 738-2233 or email adam@WoodcrestRetreat.org.

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 11, 2020

Time: Arrive between 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Date: Saturday, December 12, 2020

Time: Arrive between 5:00 - 8:30 PM

Date: Friday, December 18, 2020

Time: Arrive between 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Date: Saturday, December 19, 2020

Time: Arrive between 5:00 - 8:30 PM

Taxes Due:
Adults: $10.00
Children Ages 4-16: $5,00
3 and under: Free
Maximum Family Charge (must live at same address): $40
Cash and Check Only

Event Details:

Due to the moderate amount of walking along wooded trails and uneven terrain, unfortunately the “Journey” will not be able to accommodate those who need walking assistance or baby strollers.

Check back to our website if weather is questionable leading up to event.

COVID Guidelines: We have adjusted our registration procedure to limit large groups waiting indoors. We have also eliminated the wagon ride to the first season and replaced it with a bus ride that will allow families to physically distance themselves for the short drive. Staff that are serving indoors or near visitors will be wearing face coverings. Actors and crew will not be required to do so. Guests that wish to wear face coverings are permitted and encouraged to do so. Most of the event is outdoors and guests can maintain physical distancing outside of their group as desired. Please be sensitive to others.